Research Writing Kit Essay Formats Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
6 Formats of Essay of Essay Writing 1 Process Essay Tip When you organize the steps in a process, you should arrange them according to time order.
The Language of Process: of Process: Useful Phrases and Sentence Patterns Transition signals that indicate the order of steps of steps in a process first the first step from then on next
the next step before after after that
soon afterward the third step then at this point
as soon as when while every time
whenever meanwhile during the last step finally
The following sentence patterns are useful in writing thesis statements for process essays:
easy tools. 1. It is simple to ……………………………….. if you if you have the right equipment. not difficult materials. ingredients.
It is It is easy easy to change a flat tire if you you have the right equipment. equipment. these steps. these directions. 2. ……………………………….. is easy when you follow these instructions. this procedure.
Making a delicious omelet is omelet is easy when easy when you you follow follow these these steps. 1 More of Research of Research Writing Kit at Kit at http://progressivelessonplan.tumblr.com http://progressivelessonplan.tumblr.com
Source: Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
three 3. There are four major steps involved in ……………………………….. several
There are three major steps involved in studying for an exam.
Introduction 1. 2. 3. 4.
Essay Plan: Process The guidelines will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a process essay.
State what the process is and why it is important. Define the process. State the purpose for explaining the process List any equipment, ingredients, or supplies needed to perform the process. 5. Write a thesis statement that states the focus of your essay.
Supporting Paragraphs 1. Describe the steps in the process, using time order. 2. If there are a lot of steps, group them into several main categories.
Conclusion 1. Review why the process is important. 2. Summarize the main steps in the process.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
2 Division & Classification Essay It is helpful to find at least three divisions to use. In other words, try to think of at least three separate groups. For examples, if you were writing Tip an essay on types of energy, you could divide them into three groups: wind, hydraulic, and solar. Make sure the groups do not overlap.
The Language of Classification: Useful Sentence Patterns The following sentence patterns are useful in writing thesis statements for process essays:
There 1. are
three kinds two types of ……………………………….. four classes several
There are three kinds of energy : wind, hydraulic, and solar.
2. I can
divide classify group categorize
parts: …………………….. into three groups: types: kinds:
………………………..
I can divide my computer games into three groups: action, stimulation, and strategy. divided three parts: 3. …………………… can be Classified into two groups: ……………………………….. grouped three types: categorized several kinds:
News can be divided into three types: local, national, and international.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Essay Plan: Classification The guidelines will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a classification essay.
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
Introduction 1. Provide background information about the topic to be classified. 2. Explain the purpose for the classification. 3. Describe how you are going to divide the topic into groups. 4. State the number and names of the groups. 5. Provide a clear thesis statement. Supporting Paragraphs 1. Identify and describe one group in each supporting paragraph. 2. Explain the common characteristics of the members of each group. 3. Give examples of items in each group. Conclusion 1. Restate the method of classification. 2. Summarize the groups.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
3 Causes & Effects Essay The Language of Causes and Effects: Useful Phrases and Sentence Patterns Transition signals that indicate a cause or effect relationship and that is why
It was raining, and that is why we canceled the soccer game.
as a consequence of
As a consequence of the rain, we canceled the soccer game.
as a result of
As a result of the rain, we canceled the soccer game.
because
Because it was raining, we canceled the soccer game.
because of
Because of the rain, we canceled the soccer game.
consequently
It was raining. Consequently, we canceled the soccer game.
due to
Due to the rain, we canceled the soccer game.
for this reason
It was raining. For this reason, we canceled the soccer game.
since
Since it was raining, we canceled the soccer game.
so
It was raining, so we canceled the soccer game.
therefore
It was raining; therefore, we canceled the soccer game.
thus
It was raining; thus, we canceled the soccer game.
causes of 1. There are several reasons for ……………………………….. . effects of
There are several causes of jet lag.
2. There are
three four several
main reasons why ……………………………….. .
There are three main reasons why I want to get my own apartment. 5 More of Research Writing Kit at http://progressivelessonplan.tumblr.com
Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
several 3. ……………………………….. has had many important effects on ……………….. . few
My parents’ divorce has had several important effects on my life.
Introduction
Essay Plan: Cause or Effect The guidelines will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a classification essay.
1. Provide background information about the situation you are analyzing. 2. Describe the situation. 3. State whether you plan to discuss its causes or its effects. 4. Identify the main causes or effects. 5. Write a thesis statement that states the focus of your essay.
Supporting Paragraphs 1. State the first (second, third) cause or effect in the first (second, third) paragraph. 2. Support the first (second, third) cause or effect with facts, examples, statistics, or quotations.
Conclusion 1. Summarize the main causes or effects. 2. Draw a conclusion or make a prediction.
When you write an essay you must think about how you are going to order the supporting paragraphs. Which paragraph should come first, second, Tip and third? One common way is to organize the paragraphs according to order of importance. For example, in an essay about causes, you can begin with the most important cause and end with the least important cause.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
4 Comparison & Contrast Essay The Language of Comparison & Contrast: Useful Phrases & Sentence Patterns Comparison and . . . too
Tokyo has an efficient subway system, and London does too.
as . . . as
Tokyo’s subway system is as efficient as London’s.
Likewise
similarly
Tokyo has an efficient subway system. Likewise, London has an efficient subway system. Tokyo has an efficient subway system. Similarly, London has an efficient subway system.
alike
New York and Tokyo are alike in several ways.
both . . . and
Both Japan and Korean are in Asia.
like
The weather in Philadelphia is like the weather in Istanbul.
similar to
The population in Vienna is similar to the population of Frankfurt.
the same
Philadelphia has the same kind of weather as Istanbul.
the same as
The altitude of Calcutta is the same as the altitude of Copenhagen.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
Contrast The Sahara desert has a dry climate, but the Amazon rain forest has a
but
wet climate.
different from
The climate in the Sahara desert is very different from the climate in the Amazon rain forest. The Sahara desert has a dry climate. However, the Amazon rain forest
however
has a wet climate.
in contrast
The Sahara desert has a dry climate. In contrast, the Amazon rain forest has a wet climate.
on the other
The Sahara desert has a dry climate. On the other hand, the Amazon
hand
rain forest has a wet climate.
while
While the Sahara desert is dry, the Amazon rain forest is wet.
whereas
Whereas the Sahara desert is dry, the Amazon rain forest is wet.
unlike
Unlike rain forests, deserts get very little rain. Although the Sahara desert has a dry climate, some crops can be
although
grown there.
even though
Even though the Sahara desert has a dry climate, some crops can be grown there.
The following sentence patterns are useful in writing topic sentences and thesis statements for comparison/contrast essays and paragraphs:
1.
There are several differences between ……………… and ……………… . similarities
There are several There are several
differences between high school and college. similarities between high school and college.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
2.
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
……………… and ……………… are similar in many ways. different Thai food and Vietnamese food are similar in many ways. Thai food and Vietnamese food are different in many ways.
3.
……………… is different from ……………… in many ways. similar to My father is different from his older brother in many ways. My father is similar from his older brother in many ways.
4.
……………… and ……………… have several things in common. many My best friend and I have many things in common.
5.
reveals A comparison between ……………… and ……………… shows ……………… . demonstrates A comparison between jazz and rock ‘n’ roll reveals some surprising similarities. A comparison between jazz and rock ‘n’ roll reveals some surprising differences.
When you use the point‐by‐point method to write about similarities or differences, you need to decide how you are going to order the points. Tip Again, one common way is to organize the points according to order of importance. For example, you can begin with the most important point and end with the least important point.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
Essay Plans: Comparison/Contrast Block Method Point ‐by ‐Point Method Introduction
Introduction
1. Provide background information about your topic. 2. Identify the two things being compared and contrasted. 3. State the purpose for making the comparison/or contrast. 4. Write a thesis statement that states the focus of your essay.
1. Provide background information about your topic. 2. Identify the two things being compared and contrasted. 3. State the purpose for making the comparison/or contrast. 4. Identify the points to be compared and contrasted. 5. Write a thesis statement that states the focus of your essay.
Supporting Paragraphs 1. In the first paragraph(s), discuss the similarities. 2. In the next paragraph(s), discuss the differences.
Supporting Paragraphs 1. In the first paragraph, compare and/or contrasts the two things according to the first point you identified. 2. In the second paragraph, compare and/or contrasts the two things according to the second point you identified. 3. Do the same thing in the third and subsequent paragraphs.
Conclusion 1. Restate the purpose for comparison and/or contrast in different words. 2. Summarize the main similarities and differences. 3. Draw a conclusion.
Conclusion 1. Restate the purpose for comparison and/or contrast in different words. 2. Summarize the main similarities and differences. 3. Draw a conclusion.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
5 Problem/Solution Essay Introduction 1. Describe the problem and state why it is serious 2. Write a thesis statement that identifies possible solutions.
Essay Plan: Supporting Paragraphs Problem/Solution 1. Discuss one solution in each supporting paragraph. The guidelines will help you remember what you need to do in each part of a problem/solution essay.
2. Provide details to explain each solution. 3. Organize the paragraphs according to order of importance.
Conclusion 1. Summarize the solutions. 2. Draw a conclusion or make a prediction based on your suggestions.
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
Research Writing Kit Essay Formats
WB023 English
Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
Nov 2009
6 Writing Summaries A good summary should present a clear, concise idea of the main points of an article to someone who has not read it. To do this, you must have true understanding of the original text. Determine the author’s purpose, main idea, and supporting points.
1. Read the article once to determine the author’s thesis. 2. Reread the article and take notes on the main points. 3. Using your notes as a guide, write the first draft of your summary. It should include: a. A topic sentence that states the name of the article, (including the author, if available) and the main point. b. Supporting sentences that explain, in your own words, the main ideas presented in the article. An effective way to do this is by answering the questions what, where, when, who, and why. c. A final statement that summarizes any conclusions the author made in the article. 4. Revise the draft of your summary. Check to see that you have accurately summarized the author’s main ideas. If you included any of the author’s minor points, eliminate them. In addition, be sure that you did not include any of your own thoughts or opinions about the topic. 5. Edit your summary to make sure that the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are correct.
Reference Blanchard, K. & Root. C (2004) Ready to Write More: From Paragraph to Essay (2nd Ed.). New York: Longman‐Pearson Education
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Source: Blanchard, K. & Root, C. (2004)
